Loie

Loie Shawl by Beth Kling

Project Overview

Loie is an advanced knitting pattern for a shawl inspired by Art Nouveau design, created by independent designer Beth Kling. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a sophisticated project for experienced knitters seeking to incorporate decorative cable work and structured shaping into a wearable accessory.

What Is Being Made

The Loie shawl is an Art Nouveau-inspired design worked in a luxury fiber blend. The finished piece showcases decorative cable elements and structured construction typical of advanced shawl patterns, suitable for a refined addition to any knitter's wardrobe.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The construction includes cable work, which creates raised twisted stitches that form decorative motifs throughout the design. Centered decreases are used to shape the shawl and create structured lines. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles, a common approach for shawl construction that allows for larger stitch counts and easier manipulation of the growing fabric.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Loie pattern utilizes the following key stitches and techniques:

• Cable stitches (c): Twisted stitches that cross over one another to create texture and visual interest
• C2L (cable 2 over 2 left): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, knit 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C2LP (cable 2 over 2 left P): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, purl 2 stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C2RP (cable 2 over 2 right P): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back, knit stitches from the left-hand needle, then work the cable needle stitches
• CDD (centered double decrease): Slip 2 stitches together as if to knit, knit the next stitch, then pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch, resulting in a 2-stitch decrease
• 2x1 rib pattern: A textured stitch pattern combining knit and purl stitches in a regular sequence
• BO (bind off): The finishing technique used to secure the final row of stitches
• CO (cast on): The method used to create the initial stitches on the needle

Materials Required

The Loie shawl pattern calls for 2 skeins of Lilou Colours Posh DK yarn in the Bronze colorway. This yarn is a premium blend composed of 70% alpaca, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere, offering exceptional softness, drape, and luster. Each skein contains approximately 246 yards (225 meters) and weighs 3.53 ounces (100 grams).

Additional materials include 1 pair of US 6 (4 mm) circular needles at least 32 inches long, necessary for accommodating the shawl's stitch count while working flat. A cable needle is required for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends. Optional blocking supplies include T-pins and blocking wires to shape and set the finished shawl.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the 2x1 rib pattern, measured flat and unblocked. Achieving this gauge is essential for the shawl to reach its intended finished dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

Loie is classified as an advanced knitting pattern, making it suitable for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills. The combination of cable techniques, centered decreases, and structured shaping requires comfort with reading complex stitch patterns and managing multiple stitches on circular needles simultaneously.